The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will require the publication of case documents associated with the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his Republican allies. The White House relented after an extended period of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a scandal that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have waited long enough. The survivors have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next goes to the president for his endorsement. Trump indicated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Even though the president has for months dismissed the outcry over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the measure over the past few days, and said he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their representatives who were seated in a viewing area, broke into applause after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he feared the measure would reveal identifying details of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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